I love Tennessee. Tennessee is a state where it's residents are not afraid to believe in what they believe in and show it. Although, some people still consider us the backwards state, resting high on the mountains in hillbilly country farms I say I am proud to be part of that culture ! The culture where "paddling" your child on the rear end still exist's because they deserved it. Where people still believe a hand-shake is your word. Where crops are formed, grown and many believe in being and growing green ! Although not born and raised here Tennessee was my home away from home with family living and raised in Hendersonville, TN. Probably the one who wears sweaters, jeans and flip-flops being a Florida girl to me Tennessee is truly where my heart is ! I am proud to say that a Tennessee... 01/12/2008

This morning I had a couple come into the office that was referred to me. They sat down eager and ready to make a purchase of their new home. They had begun to take the necessary steps in getting pre-qualified for a home. Currently, they are in a rental, in a county that they don't like or want to be in. Their goal is to move to Crossville, TN and be closer to Mom. I began asking them questions like okay, what type of home are you looking for...2, bedroom, 3 bedroom and so on..I moved on to what area's do they like most in Crossville ? Do they want to be in the city or the county for example. I shifted the conversation to what they qualified for ? How much home could I find them based on the information provided by their lender. I was informed at that time they qualified based on their ... 01/11/2008

Mother Nature is surely trying to fool us with it's vicious weather pattern. If you remember correctly last week we woke up with days in the single digits and high's in the 20's. This week mother nature wants to bring spring like weather with temperatures tomorrow being nearly 71 degrees. With a break in the blistery cold air this might give us the chance to winterize the outside of our homes. Especially since next week we are do for snow showers again and highs in the mid 40's.So if you haven't already done so, it's time to protect your precious backyard oasis and patio furniture from the cold of winter and it's snow.  It seems easier to just let it go, but a little time invested today will provide you with a perfect patio environment come spring. Let's face it; spring will be here bef... 01/07/2008

 Now that's a Flea Market!  I love coming here and the fact that it is only a few miles from my home, I visit often. If You do not live in Crossville, this Flea Market is worth the drive. I find beautiful works of local art, low priced antiques, real hardwood furniture, yummy baked and canned goods provided by our local Mennonites and country kitchens, old and new tools, fresh local produce, musical instruments, quilts, pet accessories,  pets for adoption and much more. Some of my favorite finds have been two old stained glass windows, sturdy rug throws & a new rocking chair. If you haven't check out this massive flea market your missing out. Hope to See you there. Crossville Flea Market          12/28/2007

 This is the Cumberland Mountain State Park Bridge.  It was built during the 1930's by the boys of the Civil Conversation Corp and the "New Deal"  That the Roosenvelts implemented to assist the people of the area that were suffering from the depression.  Currently the bridge is closed and undergoing much needed renovations.  It was the largest structure that was built by the CCC.  It is a local landmark.  It is light up at night during the holiday season.  It would be much prettier if there was still water in the lake.  It is temporarily drained to make the repairs.  When it is completed it will be as good as new and ready for traffic and photos.  If you are in Tennessee come visit the Cumberland Mountain State Park and have lunch.  You won't be sorry. 12/19/2007

It is that time of year again. Where the temperature drops, rain turns into ice and those puffs of clouds open for our snow. Like yesterday,12/05/2007 we started our day at nearly 50 degrees, by afternoon our temperatures rapidly began dropping bringing in rain, snow, ice mix. This morning 12/06/2007 our wind chill is 18 degrees 25 degrees below what we were yesterday. Buses seem to be running this morning and there are no delays and/or cancellations. Please check your child's backpack/book-bag for the Inclement Weather Forms that have already been disbursed and will continue to be throughout several schools in the upcoming weeks. Throughout the year there will be times that school will have to be dismissed early due to inclement weather such as snow, ice and/or flooding. This time of y... 12/05/2007

While visiting Crossville everyone needs a great place to eat. Here is a list that will be sure to help out your taste buds !The Bar-B-Que Steakhouse287 Hwy 70E(931) 484 7923Lefty's Barbecue4573 Peavine Rd (931) 484-    4205Domino's Pizza1017 N. Main St.456-1414Gondola Pizza House36 Woodmere Shopping Ctr.484-7647Little Caesars481 Hwy 70 S456-0533Papa John's PizzaHwy 127 N at The Crossings707-1234Pizza Hut629 N. Main484-9610Villa Pizza & PastaVillage Green Mall484-2069 Captain D's Seafood Restaurant4327 Hwy 70 S456-7702Long John Silvers1215 N. Main484-7415The Barbecue SteakhouseHwy 70 E484-7923Ponderosa Steak House1352 N Main St.456-2330Ryans Family Steak House2854 N. Main St456-9228Vegas Steakhouse & Bar  Jamestown Hwy456-2850Boston's for lunch42 North St.456-1925The Mad Platter69 S. Ma... 12/04/2007

Don't quit, don't give up ! Sometimes the world let's you down, that's okay, there is always tomorrow. Sometimes, times are slow, people can be mean, business can even take a turn for the worst, that's okay, tomorrow is another day. There are reason's we do what we do, there are reason's we are who we are. There are reasons for everything. Some we will never know, but if we open our hearts and minds to the changes around us, we can learn and we can grow. Not everyone can be the next American Idol, not everyone can be the next Supermodel. We are who and what we are because we have a purpose, but you have to believe that, believe in it.Look around you, why do you do what you do ? Why go you get out of bed in the morning ? To someone else, you could be their hero...ever stopped to think ab... 11/30/2007

Remember when we were in school and homework was due and maybe we just didn't want to do it, or it got lost and the old saying was " The Dog Ate My Homework" well my kindergardener gave whole new meaning to why I can't do my homework.Over Thanksgiving break his Kindergarden Teacher gave the class a project. It was a cute little project that they would use later for creative writing. She sent home a picture of a turkey and they were to disguise the turkey so it wouldn't be eaten. In little baggies she filled with things like M & M's , cheerios, pretzels, tootsie rolls, etc. There was a note attached saying they were to paste all these things to their Turkey to disguise it. Other things could be added like glitter or elbow macaroni , for each child to use their imagination. So over the we... 11/27/2007

So my black Friday was less than productive with all the hussle and bussle. Today, I feel totally hung over and feel like someone is just squeezing my brain. But I have to say I learned alot from watching yesterday. It amazed me at what some people will do to get that Nintendo Wii or that Navigation system. It amazed me to see pushing and shoving instead of shaking hands and wishing someone a very safe and happy Holiday Season. It totally floored me to hear bells ringing from the Salvation Army at 5:00am in hopes to collect enough money for the less fortunate. To me, there was no Holiday cheer in the air, except for those bells. It was more about how much money can I spend, the greatest and most expensive gift's under the tree. It seemed like people were just buying to buy whether a gre... 11/24/2007

I know, I know, everyone is being bogged down by Christmas post's already. But this is a more serious look at the Holiday Season. Unfortunately, the Holiday Season can sometimes bring out the worst in people. The crime rate goes up and so does the suicide rate. Depression sets a whole new statistic and dangerous times can sometimes be off the charts this time of year. All around us, sometimes on the very street we live on there are those who are down and out. Who cannot provide Christmas for their families, maybe feel alone, trapped. There are some without jobs, some may have lost someone near and dear to them and around the Holidays the feelings come 10 fold. As Real Estate professionals we see alot of people. We come in contact with alot of people. As even just a person we do the same... 11/20/2007

I was recently asked if I had a spaghetti casserole recipe. And..yes, I sure do ! I love these quick throw together meals especially with work and kids. What's so great about this recipe is that you can replace several of the ingredients for others to your liking or just pull some out. Like, taking out hamburger meat and adding left over turkey...it's great...I have even substituted the Hamburger meat with baby ( or salad ) shrimp. You will need :1 8 oz pkg spaghetti, cooked & drained ( its better to snap spag in half 1 lb of Hamburger meat ( or substitute turkey, chicken etc)1 med size onion, chopped ( I chop really fine, cooks alot better )1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms, sauteed ( better if sauteed in garlic and butter, adds some zest)1 package of mild or hot sausage ( boil first, then ... 11/19/2007

 Crossville's Obed River Park knows me well, As I visit at least once a week. Winding paved trails make their way through the lush Tennessee hard woods, smoothly rolling up and down small hills, passing through natural fields, peeping around caves and rock formations, running along the rippling obed river as if they are in a race and swirling around beautiful Tennessee cedars.      Obed River Park is perfect for a relaxing walk with nature. Go for a jog, bring your bike or roller blades and bring your dog/dogs. "just remember to keep them on a leash" . Their are several pavilions so bring your lunch or picnic or grill out on a weekend afternoon. The park also offers a baseball field, play ground and public restrooms.  Several native trees have been identified with signs. The park is als... 11/19/2007

Buying is one of the biggest joys in many peoples lives.  Whether it's your first home, a vacation home, or an investment property, you need the powerful resources that the above average Real Estate agent can provide you.  You have a lot of choices for real estate in Crossville, TN or the surrounding area's and it will be my pleasure to assist you with your real estate needs.  Where do you go for help when your interest are outside of my market area?  If you want to buy a home in California or Florida, where do you turn?  In order to help those of you looking to relocate away from my expert assistance, I will interview you and Realtors in the area you are searching in and match you with the Realtor who can assist in all your needs. I will help you make your relocation as stress free as ... 11/17/2007

Here are some recipes that I have used that my grandmother taught me....if you love pie....these are sure to add a few extra pounds on the hips, but don't worry I won't tell.....Happy baking !  PECAN PIEINGREDIENTS1 3/4 cups white sugar 1/4 cup dark corn syrup 1/4 cup butter 1 tablespoon cold water 2 teaspoons cornstarch 3 eggs 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell  DIRECTIONSPreheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and cornstarch. Bring to a full boil, and remove from heat. In a large bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Gradually beat in cooked syrup mixture. Stir in salt, vanilla, and pecans. Pour into pie shell. Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes,... 11/16/2007

If you are like me I LOVE soup in the winter. Today, here in Crossville with weather dipping to 37 degrees and seeing snow flurries, yup, snow flurries and if you were out and about I am sure you seen them as well, all this made me think if SOUP ! So here are two great soup recipes I have used MANY times ! Happy cooking !Chicken SoupINGREDIENTS1 (3 pound) whole chicken 4 carrots, halved 4 stalks celery, halved 1 large onion, halved water to cover salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (optional) Add noodles if so desiredDIRECTIONSPut the chicken, carrots, celery and onion in a large soup pot and cover with cold water. Heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chicken meat falls off of the bones (skim off foam every so often). Take everything out of the pot. Strain the... 11/15/2007

If you live in Crossville, Tennessee or plan on visiting here are some important dates to remember. If you want to share in your Christmas spirit these are places to be :Crossville Christmas Parade-December 01, 2007     The Crossville Christmas Parade will be held on Main Street beginning at 4:30pm. It will be a Holiday Christmas parade with tree lighting, floats, contests, candy and entertainment. This is a family holiday experience that should not be missed. The theme for this years parade is "THE MUSIC & MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS". Knights of Columbus Christmas Fair   December 01, 2007    Beginning on Saturday, December 1st from 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Knights of Columbus Pavilion in Crossville located on Hwy. 70 East. Christmas Crafters with various types of hand-made crafts available for sa... 11/12/2007

Fall has arrived and the change of scenery is magnificent ! As you drive down roads you can admire the reds, brown, purples and oranges. The leaves are changing ever so fast and I bring a camera with me every where I go to capture the "moment". Do you know the history of the leaves ? Do you know that each tree with it's own leaves will determine the color ?Here is a list of leaves and there changing colors !Oak  - will turn red and brownHickory - will turn bronzeAspen -  will turn goldDogwood - will turn purplish redSugar Maple - will turn orange redIf you travel on over to New Hampshire at the White Mountain National Forest, every fall the leaves in this forest turn incredible colors. Leaf "peepers" come from all around the world to see them. The beauty of the changing leaves with its ... 11/09/2007

Ever wonder some things you can do with your pumpkin ? Well in Madiscon Wisconsin people don't just take giant pumpkins to the fairs. They also take them to the water ! Every fall, people race pumpkin boats on a lake in Wisconsin. The pumpkins are grown just for the race.This event is cosponsored by the Hoofers Sailing Club and the UW Horticulture Department, whose students grew the oversize marine pumpkins. The crafts' sleek racing lines and formidable bulk suggested they might have been descendants of Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin...If we move on over to Half Moon Bay, California, people join each year in the fun and festivities of the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off ! Check out 2007 winner :weighing a record 1,524 pounds. And if you are looking for some awesome pumpkin d... 11/08/2007

 If you are like me you are probably very busy. Often times we fill out that grocery list and forget it. The trips to the pharmacy to get those "first aids" are sometimes few and far between ! Here are some great home remedies with products that probably already sit in our pantry ! Tape this inside your medicine cabinet Did You Know That? Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional 'pain relievers.' Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns. Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose. Achy muscles from a bout of the ... 11/07/2007